THE prospect of Leigh Wood fighting Josh Warrington appears to have edged another step closer.
Both featherweights have been heavily linked to a fight against one another ever since Wood beat Mauricio Lara in convincing fashion on May 27. That night the Nottingham man avenged a heavy defeat suffered at the hands of the Mexican three months earlier.
In the aftermath Wood called for a chance to box at the City Ground, home of his beloved Nottingham Forest. Those dreams appear to be on the shelf for the time being with an October fight against Warrington potentially taking place in Sheffield.
Speaking to Mail Online Warrington 31-2 (8 KOs) gave an update as to how negotiations were proceeding for the all-British clash.
“I’ve agreed terms on my side,” he said.
“There have been a fair few meetings, going back and forth. We’ve been discussing venues, money, rights and all this that and the other.
“But I am happy with where we are now. I know Leigh wants to fight so it’s just a case of finalising a venue and finalising the date. Then that’s it. We can get it announced and we can get it underway.”
Warrington, who has also faced Mauricio Lara on two occasions, is yet to fight in 2023. The 32-year-old last fought seven months ago when he lost on points in front of his home supporters in Leeds to Luis Alberto Lopez. The Mexican went on to cement his position as one of the best at 126lbs with an impressive fifth round away victory over Michael Conlan in May.
Wood against Warrington could land at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena with Mail Online reporting that the AO Arena in Manchester is unavailable and Nottingham Forest opting out of hosting the fight because of concerns over the pitch.
“I would have loved to go down to the City Ground, but I understand why (they didn’t want to host the fight),” Warrington said.
“It’s a Premier League pitch and you’ve got 5,000 nutcases sitting on the pitch as well as the rest in and around the stands causing all kinds of mayhem. So, I can understand why that hasn’t happened.
“Sheffield has been mentioned because it’s a bit of neutral ground between us both. But I’m not bothered. Honestly, I would fight him in his own gym. It doesn’t really matter to me.”